Empty Cartridge Recycling

Many of you may already be aware that as of July 1, 2010, Staples lowered the value of recycled print cartridges through their Staples Rewards program to $2 per cartridge, with a limit of 10 cartridges per month.  I've got to say that I saw this one coming, and I also expect more limitations in the future.  The buying and selling of empty print cartridges has become too competitive to pay a set amount for any random cartridge that goes through a recycling program.  I would guess that around 90% of the cartridges they receive are valued much less than $2 a piece, but they probably make bank on the remaining 10%.  Because of the quality standards remanufacturers are required to maintain, most are unable to use non-virgin cartridges (cartridges that have been previously remanufactured or refilled).  Currently, Staples does not have a requirement for virgin or non-virgin cartridges.  I hallucinate this is coming.  Office Max has also made similar cut-backs to their recycling program.  So how does this affect you?  First, if you aren't already recycling your used print cartridges you should be.  Even if you aren't using remanufactured cartridges, which you should be, it is the environmentally responsible thing to do and they probably have some value.  Second, if you do have a bag full of empty cartridges you have been saving or even a pallet full just know you are probably not sitting on the gold mine you thought.  Typically, the older the cartridges get the less value they have.  Supply and demand.  The longer a printer has been on the market the greater the supply of empty print cartridges for that model.  The newer the printer, the smaller the supply.  There are thousands of individuals and businesses willing to pay for your empty cartridges--just "google" it.  We would also be interested in your empty cartridges.  Just give us a call and we can let you know what they are worth to us.  We also give $4 off the purchase of a remanufactured toner cartridge when you recycle an empty toner cartridge and $2 off the purchase of a refilled inkjet cartridge with the exchange of an empty.  If you don't recycle your cartridges with us, please recycle them with someone.  It supports the aftermarket industry and drives down the price of remanufactured cartridges for you.

Do you have a thought or comment?  We would love to hear from you.